A Recipe for Basic Prayer

If you're not in the habit of praying for more than a few minutes a day, I suggest trying the following thirty-minute recipe for "basic prayer." Like the "basic bread" recipe in "The Joy of Cooking," you can use this template to create seemingly infinite variations to suit your particular taste and style. Just try this approach until you get the hang of it, and gradually branch out if you feel the need.

A Recipe for Basic Prayer

By Eric Elnes, adapted from his book "Asphalt Jesus."

If you're not in the habit of praying for more than a few minutes a day, I suggest trying the following thirty-minute recipe for "basic prayer." Like the "basic bread" recipe in "The Joy of Cooking," you can use this template to create seemingly infinite variations to suit your particular taste and style. Just try this approach until you get the hang of it, and gradually branch out if you feel the need. If it is helpful, play some soothing instrumental music during this time.